Criminal record reform to provide more opportunities for rehabilitation
After years of consultation, lobbying, research and engagement, Victoria is about to become the last state in Australia to have its own spent convictions’ legislation.
In February this year, the State Attorney-General Jill Hennessy announced Victoria would be joining the rest of the nation in the significant criminal record reform. The legislation was introduced into the Parliament in October, and those who have pushed for the reform are confident it will become law early next year.
Stan Winford, Associate Director – Research, Innovation and Reform at RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice, said the next step in the process was to ensure widespread awareness of the change. Under the new legislation, minor historical offences will not be barriers to those people wanting work or housing or even prevent them undertaking volunteer work.
Philanthropy Australia, 16 December 2020
